Aging doesn’t guarantee that you will develop cataracts in one or both eyes. But as an often age-related condition, your risk certainly increases with age. Fortunately, it’s a highly treatable condition and can often be managed without surgery as a first step.
Regular eye examinations are an important part of the early detection of cataracts because they often begin developing with little to no symptoms. And if you’re wondering whether you can have a cataract in one eye, the answer is yes. However, once you have a cataract, the chances are high that it won’t stop in one eye.
What Are Cataracts?
Our eyes have clear lenses that transmit light into the retina with minimal scattering. For many people, this lens grows cloudy or even changes color and becomes opaque over time; this is a cataract.
Several types of cataracts can begin in different areas of the lens. For example, some begin at the edge of your lens. These often go undiagnosed in their early development and can actually temporarily improve your reading vision. Or, you can have them develop in the center of the lens or behind it. Both of these types will change your vision quicker and more drastically.
The other possibility is a congenital cataract which is a cataract that affects young children. Sometimes a child is born with a cataract because of a genetic predisposition. Other times they develop them very early in life, possibly due to infection or eye trauma.
Can You Have a Cataract in One Eye?
It’s 100% possible that you may develop a cataract in one eye. In addition, they are not an infectious disease, so they won’t spread to the other like an infection. However, in most cases of a person developing a cataract in one eye, they will almost always get one in the other eye too.
The other possibility is that you develop cataracts in both eyes simultaneously, But it’s possible they won’t grow at the same rate. This is another reason that cataracts often go undetected without an eye examination. When the cataract is worse in one eye, the other eye can sometimes overcompensate for vision loss so that you don’t notice it.
Risk Factors for Cataracts
Age is a significant risk factor for cataracts. In fact, more than 50% of Americans over the age of 80 have cataracts or have had them removed with surgery. But age isn’t the only thing that increases our risk of developing cataracts.
Here are several things that can contribute to developing cataracts:
- Smoking (also a contributing factor to other eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Exposure to the sun without adequate UV protection
- Steroidal medications
- Family history of cataracts
- Obesity
- Underlying health issues like diabetes or heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Eye trauma or a previous surgery
Preventing Cataracts
Obviously, we can’t prevent aging, which is a major cause of cataracts, but some things you can do to reduce your risk of cataracts are:
- Regular eye examinations are the best proactive prevention
- Quitting smoking
- Proper management of other health issues like diabetes
- A healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
- Wearing sunglasses with adequate UVA/UVB protection
- Reducing alcohol consumption
Treating Cataracts
In many cases, especially in the early development of cataracts, the condition can be managed without surgery. For example, a change in prescription for your glasses or contact lenses can sometimes compensate for vision loss.
Additionally, increasing light for activities like reading can also help. However, when the point comes that the cataracts are affecting your ability to perform your daily activities, it’s probably time to consult your ophthalmologist about your surgical options.
During cataract surgery, the eye doctor removes the old, cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL).
IOL Options
The IOL is one of the primary factors determining the result of cataract surgery. A common and typically cheapest option is a regular IOL that is custom-shaped to fit your unique cornea. However, there are some options on the market where an IOL is made to correct one or more focal points.
Not everyone is a candidate, though. So, your best bet is to discuss your options with your eye doctor. Once they’ve taken eye measurements during a cataract surgery consultation, they can present your available options to you and explain the pros and cons of each.
Find Out More About Your Options
Don’t let cataracts control your life. Contact us today if you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms or if it’s time for your next comprehensive eye exam. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff at Griffey Eye Care are available to answer all your questions. And they are happy to book you in for a time that’s convenient for you.
